What is the latest format and pattern of A+ exam?
Certification: CompTIA CompTIA A+ - CompTIA A+
Fundamentals of the A+ certification
CompTIA A+ certification validates the know-how of the professionals that is required to perform the roles of the computer technicians. This certification is vendor neutral, which measures the knowledge of the candidates regarding diverse technologies as well as operating systems developed by the pioneer vendors, including, Novell, Microsoft, Linux distributions, Apple Inc., etc.
Arrival of the latest version of A+ certification
The A+ certification was launched in 1993. Since then the A+ certification format and pattern have underwent considerable revisions in 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012 respectively. The latest format and pattern of the CompTIA A+ certification exam is following the updated version of 2012.
The latest exam format of A+ Certification
According to the latest update of 2012, the current structure of the CompTIA A+ certification process is consisted of two exams. Those are: CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam and CompTIA A+ 220-802 exam. To pass both of these exams is obligatory to obtain CompTIA A+ certification. However, the upgraded test structure of the CompTIA A+ certification exams requires Windows 7 operating system.
Format and pattern of the CompTIA A+ 220-801 test
The structure of the CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam is composed of 90 questions. The exam questions of CompTIA A+ 220-801 measures the knowledge-level of the candidates on the fundamental level computer technology, basic networking, installation of desktop PCs, laptops, hardware, etc.; configuration of hardware, desktops, laptops, etc.
The CompTIA A+ 220-801 certification exam has been designed on five objectives. They are: PC Hardware, Networking, Laptops, Printers and Operational Procedures. About forty percentages of the total 90 questions would cover the PC Hardware related issues. The Networking is the second important domain that covers about twenty-seven percentages share of the questions. Besides these, about eleven percentages of questions are drawn from each of the three domains, namely, Laptops, Printers and Operational Procedures.
In the CompTIA A+ 220-801 certification exam, the total duration of the test is about 90 minutes. To overcome this test with success, the candidates are recommended to undergo about 6 - 12 months of practical experiences either in the field or in the lab. To pass the CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam the minimum required marks is 675 on a scale of 900. This exam can be taken in several languages, such as, English, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Brazilian, German, Arabic, Thai, French, Spanish, etc. CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam is valid for three years.
Format and pattern of the CompTIA A+ 220-802 test
CompTIA A+ certification 220-802 exam contains 90 questions. The exam questions of CompTIA A+ 220-802 measures the knowledge-level of the candidates on the installation of the PC operating systems; configuration of the PC operating systems, configuration of common features including network connectivity, email, etc. for different mobile-based operating systems like, Android, Apple iOS, etc.
The CompTIA A+ 220-801 certification exam has been designed on four objectives. They are: Operating Systems, Security, Mobile Devices and Troubleshooting. About thirty-six percentages of the total 90 questions would cover the Troubleshooting related issues. The Operating Systems is the second important domain that covers about thirty-three percentages share of the questions. Besides these, about twenty-two percentages of questions are drawn from another significant domain, namely, Security. And the rest nine percentages share of the questions come from mobile device related issues.
In the CompTIA A+ 220-802 certification exam, the total duration of the test is about 90 minutes. The candidates are recommended to undergo about 6 to 12 months of practical experiences either in the field or in the lab to overcome is test successfully. To pass the CompTIA A+ 220-802 exam the minimum required marks is 700 on a scale of 900. This exam can be taken in several languages, such as, English, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Brazilian, German, Arabic, Thai, French, Spanish, etc. CompTIA A+ 220-802 exam is valid for three years.
Format and pattern of question types in CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 test
In the CompTIA A+ 220-801 and CompTIA A+ 220-802 certification exam, the question-types are Multiple choice as well as performance-based. Performance-based questions aim to measure the knowledge and proficiency levels of the candidates through performing several tasks or solving fixed number of problems within a specially simulated environment. In both of these exams the question instructions ask the candidates to perform a precise task or resolve a special problem. The candidates are required to end up the necessary steps within the simulated environment. At the starting period of the test considerable amount of performance based questions come into view that allows the candidates more time for answering the entire questions. The candidates should manage their time wisely. Though a clock is visible while working on the multiple choice questions, it is not visible during the appearances of the performance based questions. However, if any candidate feels less confident to attain any of the performance based questions, then s/he can shift into the succeeding question. When a candidate finishes any answer, then s/he needs to click on the “Done” box. Moreover, s/he can mark any particular question for further review for later. The system will save the answers as well as review notification.
Validity of the CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 test
The American National Standards Institute transformed their policy in 2010 and set the rule that certifications offered under them would expire after three consecutive years. To comply with this rule, CompTIA changed the validity period of their lifetime certifications and had been requiring the certified members for re-taking the A+ exams after every three consecutive years. Therefore, all of the CompTIA A+ certifications that have already been issued or will be issued after the date of 31st December 2010, will undergo expiration after the end of three consecutive years.